Girl Guides get new campsite

Cranbrook’s Girl Guides will soon have a brand new camp facility in Wycliffe.

After a long road of fundraising, construction has finished on a kitchen, dining and activity hall, and bunk room for 36 people on a 10 acre property in Wycliffe.

What’s more, there will be three tenting areas, two closer to the buildings and one further out for older girls.

“It’s more of a wilderness site so they can learn independence and how to camp,” said Pam Cross, chair of the Girl Guides camp committee.

The organization sold a property in Moyie eight years ago after encroaching development made the campsite not very private anymore.

Cross said they hope to have the Wycliffe site up and running by Spring. It has 10 undeveloped acres on either side, so there will be 30 acres that campers can explore.

“The girls can go out on the trails and learn wilderness skills,” said Cross.

So far, the new camp – a much higher calibre than the local Girl Guides have had before – has cost about $400,000.

“Several companies donated materials or labour. We are very fortunate to have good community support,” said Cross.

But the work is not done. While the buildings are complete, water and sewer still need to be put in and the kitchen, dining hall and bunk room stocked.

“We need everything – we have no dishes, no pots, nothing,” said Cross.

Once complete, the facility will be used by Girl Guides groups travelling from all over Canada and North America, as well as Scouts and church youth groups.

To help the Girl Guides raise funds to complete the campsite, they are holding a Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, December 1. Held at the Eagles Hall from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., the fundraiser will also feature a silent auction and even a bake sale.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to come out and pick up their Christmas baking. You don’t have to go to any effort!” said Cross.

Tickets cost $9 for adults and $5 for children under six years old. Tickets can be purchased from Girl Guides, by phoning 250-489-3155 or by emailing bcrocks_ca@hotmail.com.